Universal carrier for mounting on vertical support profiles of a rack and arrangement with such a universal carrier and vertical support profiles of a rack

ABSTRACT

A universal carrier for installation on vertical support profiles of a rack includes at least a base part and a telescoping part movable axially with respect to the base part, wherein 1) the telescoping part and the base part connect via a flexible element such that the telescoping part and the base part form a predetermined extension length of the universal carrier when the flexible element is relaxed and can be pushed together against a force of the flexible element, and 2) the flexible element can be fixed in a plurality of axial positions on the base part and/or on the telescoping part such that the extension length of the universal carrier can be adjusted by varying the axial position of the flexible element on the base part and/or on the telescoping part.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of German Patent Application No. 10 2011 117 222.3, filed Oct. 28, 2011, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a universal carrier for mounting on vertical support profiles and an arrangement with such a universal carrier and vertical support profiles of a rack.

BACKGROUND

Rack systems or racks are frameworks or structures (possibly with housing walls) that accommodate electronic devices, particularly computer systems such as servers. The racks generally have vertical support profiles arranged a certain distance apart. Between the support profiles, universal carriers or carrier rails can be installed, on which in turn electronic devices such as servers or additional electronic components (socket strips, connection modules, etc.) can be mounted.

A universal carrier generally comprises at least two parts, a base part and a telescoping part, which are movable axially relative to one another. Therefore, the extension length of the universal carrier can be adapted within certain limits to the spacing between the vertical support profiles of the rack, by moving the telescoping part relative to the base part.

Known solutions for universal carriers provide a spring-loaded seating of the telescoping part relative to the base part. The telescoping part and the base part can be inserted one inside another against the spring force of a flexible or elastic element such that the universal carrier can be clamped between the vertical support profiles of the rack. Due to the spring force of the flexible element, the telescoping part and the base part are driven apart in the installed state and press against the vertical support profiles of the rack. With suitable installation elements such as catch pins or projections, the universal carrier can be fixed securely and stably to the vertical support profiles in corresponding counter-engagement elements such as profile openings. A universal carrier can be mounted easily and quickly in this manner.

For a variable length range of the universal carrier for different distances between vertical support profiles in rack systems (e.g. distances from 600 mm to 800 mm), the spring arrangement for conventional systems is set to the largest extension length of the universal carrier, with the base part and the telescoping part being pushed together for smaller extension lengths if the support profiles have a smaller spacing between them.

One disadvantage of these solutions with spring loading by a flexible or elastic element is that the flexible element is sometimes heavily stressed (e.g. by elongation or compression) when the universal carrier is shortened. In this case, the flexible element can sustain damage, especially in the case of large changes of the universal carrier's length (telescoping part and base part are pressed together over a large distance). It is conceivable, for example, that a flexible element may be plastically deformed from its rest position or extension in excess of its elastic limit so that an extension or compression of the flexible element is not (completely) reversible and the force of the spring loading due to the flexible element declines. This ultimately impairs the installation safety of the universal carrier because a sufficient contact pressure or secure bracing of the universal carrier between the support profiles is no longer guaranteed in certain cases.

Thus, the problem arises of describing an improved and more robust universal carrier.

SUMMARY

We provide a universal carrier for installation on vertical support profiles of a rack including at least a base part and a telescoping part movable axially with respect to the base part, wherein 1) the telescoping part and the base part connect via a flexible element such that the telescoping part and the base part form a predetermined extension length of the universal carrier when the flexible element is relaxed and can be pushed together against a force of the flexible element, and 2) the flexible element can be fixed in a plurality of axial positions on the base part and/or on the telescoping part such that the extension length of the universal carrier can be adjusted by varying the axial position of the flexible element on the base part and/or on the telescoping part.

We also provide an arrangement including the universal carrier and vertical support profiles of the rack, wherein the vertical support profiles are arranged in a predetermined spacing from one another and the universal carrier is arranged between the vertical support profiles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a universal carrier.

FIG. 2 shows a detailed sectional cutout of the universal carrier according to FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A shows an arrangement with a universal carrier according to FIGS. 1 and 2 and vertical support profiles in a first spacing.

FIG. 3B shows an arrangement with a universal carrier according to FIGS. 1 and 2 and vertical support profiles in a second spacing.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 Universal carrier

2 Base part

3 Telescoping part

4 Flexible element

5 Locking element

6 a, 6 b Vertical support profiles

12 Grooves

13 Mounting element

15 Catch projections

22 Mounting element

P1 through Pn Axial positions of the locking element

Y1, Y2 Spacing of the vertical support profiles

X Extension of the flexible element

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be appreciated that the following description is intended to refer to specific examples of structure selected for illustration in the drawings and is not intended to define or limit the disclosure, other than in the appended claims.

We provide a universal carrier for installation on vertical support profiles of a rack, wherein the universal carrier comprises at least a base part and a telescoping part. The telescoping part is movable axially relative to the base part, the telescoping part and the base part being connected via a flexible element such that the telescoping part and the base part form a predetermined extension length of the universal carrier when the flexible element is relaxed. The telescoping part and the base part can additionally be pushed together against a force of the flexible element, wherein the flexible element can be fixed in a plurality of axial positions on the base part and/or on the telescoping part such that the extension length of the universal carrier can be adjusted by changing the axial positions of the flexible element on the base part and/or on the telescoping part.

The extension length of such a universal carrier can be adapted to different spacings of the vertical support profiles of a rack. By variably fixing the flexible element in a plurality of axial positions either on the base part or the telescoping part or on both parts of the universal carrier, the extension length between the telescoping part and the base part, which are connected via the flexible element, can be adjusted without the flexible element having to be stressed (elongated or compressed).

After adapting the extension length, the telescoping part and the base part are pushed together a certain distance against a force of the flexible element for installation of the universal carrier on vertical support profiles of a rack. The universal carrier can be inserted between the vertical support profiles and finally braced on the vertical supports against the force of the flexible element since the telescoping part and the base part are driven apart by the force of the flexible element.

An advantage of the universal carrier is that by adjusting the position of the flexible element on the base part and/or on the telescoping part, the extension length of the universal carrier can be adjusted independently of the stress, e.g., the spring travel of the flexible element. That means that the extension length of the universal carrier, i.e. the relative position of the telescoping part and the base part, with the flexible element relaxed can be adjusted by changing the position of the flexible element on the base part and/or on the telescoping part.

A subsequent pushing together of the telescoping part and base part to brace the universal carrier during and after installation on the vertical support profiles leads to a stress on the flexible element that is essentially the same for different extension lengths of the universal carrier. That means that the flexible element is stressed nearly equally for different spacings of the support profiles, independently of the extension length of the universal carrier. Overstressing or over-elongation or an excessively strong compression and resulting overload or lasting (plastic) deformation of the flexible element during an adjustment of the universal carrier's length to a spacing of support profiles can no longer occur with this solution.

The flexible element is preferably a spring element fixed at a first end to the base part and at a second end to the telescoping part. The spring element can be implemented, for example, as a spiral spring with a predetermined length in the relaxed state. When the telescoping part and the base part are pushed together, the spring element can be elongated or compressed by a defined spring travel. However, this travel of the spring element is independent of the actual extension length of the universal carrier due to the variable position of the spring element on the base part and/or the telescoping part for different extension lengths.

A manually operable locking element that can be engaged in a plurality of axial positions on the base part and/or on the telescoping part is preferably arranged on the base part and/or on the telescoping part, the flexible element being fixed to the locking element of the base part and/or the telescoping part. A simple variation of the axial position of the flexible element on the base part and/or on the telescoping part is possible using the manually operable locking element. A user only has to operate the locking element and move it axially on the base part and/or on the telescoping part to vary the position of the flexible element on the base part and/or on the telescoping part. The locking element can engage in the respective predetermined position on the base part and/or on the telescoping part and be stably fixed in place.

A locking element as described can be furnished in different forms either on the base part or on the telescoping part or on both the base part and the telescoping part to vary the position of the flexible element such that the extension length of the universal carrier can be adjusted.

The problem is also solved by an arrangement with a universal carrier of the type mentioned above and vertical support profiles of a rack, wherein the vertical support profiles are arranged a predetermined distance apart from one another and the universal carrier is arranged between the vertical support profiles.

The flexible element is preferably arranged in a predetermined axial position among the plurality of axial positions on the base part and/or on the telescoping part so that the extension length of the base part and the telescoping part is adapted to the spacing of the vertical support profiles.

In the mounted state of the universal carrier, the flexible element is advantageously tensioned so that the base part and the telescoping part of the universal carrier are pushed apart by the force of the flexible element and brace the universal carrier between the vertical support profiles.

Additional advantageous examples are disclosed in the description of the drawings below.

FIG. 1 shows a universal carrier 1 with a base part 2 and a telescoping part 3. The telescoping part 3 can be moved axially relative to the base part 2, the base part 2 formed such that it at least partially surrounds the telescoping part 3 in the manner of a bracket so that the telescoping part 3 is enclosed by the base part 2 and runs in the base part 2 if axially displaced. Mounting elements 13 and 22 that serve to mount the universal carrier 1 on vertical support profiles of a rack are respectively arranged on the end faces of the base part 2 and the telescoping part 3.

Vertical support profiles generally comprise openings in a predetermined profile spacing into which the universal carrier can be inserted or hooked. Thus the mounting elements 13 that are shown with pin shapes for the sake of example in FIG. 1 can be inserted into such openings of the vertical support profiles.

On the other hand, the mounting elements 22 in FIG. 1 are designed with mounting holes and a locking pin, the base part 2 being be installed with its mounting holes 22 on pin-shaped mounting profiles of a vertical support and locked in place with the locking pin.

The universal carrier 1 is designed, for example, such that a telescoping rail for pulling an electronic device out of a rack can be arranged on the universal carrier 1. It is also possible, however, to furnish one or more support brackets on the universal carrier 1 to hold a housing of an electronic device or to hold additional electronic components such as connection bars or components. Thus, the universal carrier 1 can be used for universal mounting and support of electronic components in a rack.

The telescoping part 3 can be displaced axially relative to the base part 2. According to FIG. 1, the base part 2 and the telescoping part 3 connect via a flexible element 4 furnished in this case as a spiral spring for the sake of example. One end of the flexible element 4 (the right end of the flexible element 4 in this case) connects to the telescoping part 3 and the other end of the flexible element 4 (the left end of the flexible element 4 in this case) connects to the base part 2.

According to FIG. 1, the flexible element 4 is relaxed, the base part 2 and the telescoping part 3 forming a defined extension length of the universal carrier 1. To mount the universal carrier 1 on vertical support profiles of the rack, the base part 2 and the telescoping part 3 can be pushed together such that the flexible element 4 is pulled apart and stretched.

If the telescoping part 3 and the base part 2 are pushed one into another, the right end of the flexible element 4 on the telescoping part 3 is moved to the right relative to the base part 2. The left end of the flexible element 4 on the base part 2 is pushed to the left relative to the telescoping part 3. Thereby the flexible element 4 is pulled apart and elongated. The universal carrier 1, shortened somewhat in this manner, can be inserted between two vertical support profiles of the rack and finally installed and braced against the force of the flexible element 4 on the support profiles. Due to the force of the stretched flexible element 4, the telescoping part 3 and the base part 2 are driven apart in the installed state and press against the vertical support profiles of the rack so that the universal carrier 1 can be locked stably to the vertical support profiles.

The flexible element 4 connects via a locking element 5 to the base part 2. The locking element 5 can be operated manually and, in the example according to FIG. 1, has catch projections 15 that can engage in grooves 12 on the base part 2. The grooves 12 are arranged at different positions P1, P2, P3 through Pn on the base part 2.

The locking element 5 is locked at position P3 in FIG. 1, for example. Due to the locking element 5, the flexible element 4 can therefore be fixed at different positions of the base part 2 of the universal carrier 1. This means that when the position of the locking element 5 is changed and the flexible element 4 is relaxed, the position of the telescoping part 3 relative to the base part 2, and thus the extension length of the universal carrier 1, can be varied.

By detaching the locking element 5, for example, the entire arrangement of the locking element 5, the flexible element 4 and the telescoping part 3 can be shifted to the left, with the telescoping part 3 being pulled out of the base part 2. Subsequently, the locking element 5 can, for example, again be locked in the position P1 so that the telescoping part 3 and the base part 2 form a larger extension length than was the case with the position P3 of the locking element 5 in FIG. 1.

Thus, the extension length of the universal carrier 1 can be adjusted independently of the stress on the flexible element 4 by fixing the locking element 5 at different positions P1 through Pn on the base part 2. When the position P1 through Pn of the locking element 5 on the base part 2 is changed by pushing the telescoping part 3 and the base part 2 together for installation, the flexible element 4 is stretched and stressed essentially uniformly at different extension lengths of the universal carrier 1. A change of the extension length of the universal carrier 1 thus does not imply any overload and possibly lasting (plastic) deformation of the flexible element 4.

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged cutout of the universal carrier 1 according to FIG. 1. In particular, a part of the base part 2 and of the telescoping part 3, which are connected via the flexible element 4, can be recognized in FIG. 2. The flexible element 4 is fixed at its right end to the telescoping part 3 and at its left end to the locking element 5. The locking element 5 is in turn fixed to the base part 2.

In particular, the catch projections 15 engage with the grooves 12 on the base part 2 so that the locking element 5 is fixed at the position P3 on the base part 2.

By unlocking the catch projections 15 of the locking element 5 on the universal carrier 1, the locking projections 15 can be detached from the grooves 12 in the position P3 so that the locking element 5 can be shifted to the left, for example, and locked into one of the positions P1 or P2. The flexible element 4 is locked further to the left on the base part 2 so that the engagement point of the flexible element 4 on the base part 2 is changed. Thereby the telescoping part 3 is pulled to the left out of the base part 2 when the flexible element 4 remains relaxed. In this way, the extension length of the universal carrier 1 is increased. The flexible element 4 is only tensioned during installation of the universal carrier 1 and is thus independent of the extension length adjustment of the universal carrier 1.

Finally, adaptation of the extension length of the universal carrier 1 to different spacings Y1 and Y2 of the vertical supports 6 a, 6 b of a rack 1 is illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

FIG. 3A shows an arrangement with vertical support profiles 6 a, 6 b of a rack and a universal carrier 1 of the type mentioned above. The vertical support profiles 6 a, 6 b are arranged with a first spacing Y1 relative to one another. The universal carrier 1 is arranged between the vertical support profiles 6 a, 6 b. The universal carrier 1 comprises the base part 2 and the telescoping part 3, which are arranged in a predetermined position relative to one another so that the universal carrier 1 extends in a spacing Y1 between the vertical support profiles 6 a, 6 b.

In particular, the locking element 5 is locked in the position P3 on the base part 2 in the example according to FIG. 3A. Thereby a predetermined extension length of the universal carrier 1 is defined, which is adapted to the spacing Y1.

The flexible element 4, which connects the base part 2 and the telescoping part 3 of the universal carrier 1 non-positively, further has a defined extension X. The flexible element 4 is advantageously stretched in the extension X such that it exerts a force on the telescoping part 3 and the base part 2 at the respective engagement points (connection points to the telescoping part 3 and the base part 2) such that the telescoping part 3 and the base part 2 are pushed apart.

The telescoping part 3 is pushed to the left against the left vertical support profile 6 a and the base part 2 is pushed to the right against the right vertical support profile 6 b. Thus, the universal carrier 1 according to FIG. 3A is braced between the vertical support profiles 6 a, 6 b and stably fixed to the vertical support profiles 6 a, 6 b with a spacing Y1. The universal carrier 1 can be locked to the vertical support profiles 6 a, 6 b by mounting elements 13 and 22, for example, as explained for FIG. 1.

Finally, FIG. 3B shows an arrangement with vertical support profiles 6 a, 6 b and a universal carrier 1 wherein, however, the vertical support profiles 6 a, 6 b are arranged with a spacing Y2 different from FIG. 3A, that is larger than the spacing Y1 of FIG. 3A.

To adjust the universal carrier 1 to the second spacing Y2, the locking element 5 is not engaged in the position P3 (as shown in FIG. 3A), but in position P1. The telescoping part 3 is pulled further out of the base part 2 so that the overall extension length of the universal carrier 1 is adapted to the second spacing Y2. However, the flexible element 4 has an extension X in FIG. 3B that is nearly equal to the extension X according to FIG. 3A. Thus, despite a wider space Y2 between the vertical support profiles 6 a, 6 b in FIG. 3B, the flexible element 4 is not stressed substantially more strongly or weakly than in FIG. 3A, because the engagement point of the flexible element 4 on base part 2 is offset in comparison to the version in FIG. 3A (P1 instead of P3). Nonetheless, as already explained for FIG. 3A, the flexible element 4 is advantageously stretched somewhat in FIG. 3B so that a tensioning force is exerted on the base part 2 and the telescoping part 3 for bracing the universal carrier 1 between the vertical support profiles 6 a and 6 b.

Alternatively or additionally to the illustrative examples, a locking element 5 for variable positioning of the flexible element 4 can also be arranged on telescoping part 3 in examples not shown. It is possible, for example, to fix the flexible element 4 at an invariable position on base part 2, with a variable position fixation of the flexible element 4 on the telescoping part 3 being furnished via a locking element 5. This ultimately implies a reversal of function between base part 2 and telescoping part 3 in the illustrated principle to adjust the extension length of a universal carrier 1.

It is also possible to fix the flexible element 4 with both a locking element 5 on the base part 2 (as illustrated and explained) and with a locking element 5 on the telescoping part 3. In this manner, an engagement point of the flexible element 4 could be variable on both the base part 2 and on the telescoping part 3.

Although the apparatus and methods have been described in connection with specific forms thereof, it will be appreciated that a wide variety of equivalents may be substituted for the specified elements described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as described in the appended claims. 

1. A universal carrier for installation on vertical support profiles of a rack comprising at least a base part and a telescoping part movable axially with respect to the base part, wherein 1) the telescoping part and the base part connect via a flexible element such that the telescoping part and the base part form a predetermined extension length of the universal carrier when the flexible element is relaxed and can be pushed together against a force of the flexible element, and 2) the flexible element can be fixed in a plurality of axial positions on the base part and/or on the telescoping part such that the extension length of the universal carrier can be adjusted by varying the axial position of the flexible element on the base part and/or on the telescoping part.
 2. The universal carrier according to claim 1, wherein the flexible element is a spring element fixed at a first end to the base part and at a second end to the telescoping part.
 3. The universal carrier according to claim 1, wherein a manually operable locking element that can be locked in a plurality of axial positions (P1, . . . , Pn) on the base part and/or on the telescoping part is arranged on the base part and/or on the telescoping part, and wherein the flexible element is fixed to the locking element of the base part and/or the telescoping part.
 4. The universal carrier according to claim 3, wherein the locking element of the base part and/or the telescoping part comprises catch projections detachably engaged in grooves on the base part and/or on the telescoping part.
 5. The universal carrier according to claim 1, wherein the base part and the telescoping part comprise mounting elements on their respective end faces for mounting the universal carrier on vertical support profiles of the rack.
 6. An arrangement comprising the universal carrier according to claim 1 and vertical support profiles of the rack, wherein the vertical support profiles are arranged in a predetermined spacing from one another and the universal carrier is arranged between the vertical support profiles.
 7. The arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the flexible element is arranged in a predetermined axial position from among the plurality of axial positions on the base part and/or on the telescoping part so that the extension length of the base part and the telescoping part is adapted to the spacing of the vertical support profiles.
 8. The arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the flexible element of the universal carrier is tensioned such that the base part and the telescoping part of the universal carriers are driven apart by the force of the flexible element and brace the universal carrier between the vertical support profiles.
 9. The universal carrier according to claim 2, wherein a manually operable locking element that can be locked in a plurality of axial positions (P1, . . . , Pn) on the base part and/or on the telescoping part is arranged on the base part and/or on the telescoping part, and wherein the flexible element is fixed to the locking element of the base part and/or the telescoping part.
 10. The universal carrier according to claim 2, wherein the base part and the telescoping part comprise mounting elements on their respective end faces for mounting the universal carrier on vertical support profiles of the rack.
 11. The universal carrier according to claim 3, wherein the base part and the telescoping part comprise mounting elements on their respective end faces for mounting the universal carrier on vertical support profiles of the rack.
 12. The universal carrier according to claim 4, wherein the base part and the telescoping part comprise mounting elements on their respective end faces for mounting the universal carrier on vertical support profiles of the rack.
 13. An arrangement comprising the universal carrier according to claim 2 and vertical support profiles of the rack, wherein the vertical support profiles are arranged in a predetermined spacing from one another and the universal carrier is arranged between the vertical support profiles.
 14. An arrangement comprising the universal carrier according to claim 3 and vertical support profiles of the rack, wherein the vertical support profiles are arranged in a predetermined spacing from one another and the universal carrier is arranged between the vertical support profiles.
 15. An arrangement comprising the universal carrier according to claim 4 and vertical support profiles of the rack, wherein the vertical support profiles are arranged in a predetermined spacing from one another and the universal carrier is arranged between the vertical support profiles.
 16. An arrangement comprising the universal carrier according to claim 5 and vertical support profiles of the rack, wherein the vertical support profiles are arranged in a predetermined spacing from one another and the universal carrier is arranged between the vertical support profiles.
 17. The arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the flexible element of the universal carrier is tensioned such that the base part and the telescoping part of the universal carriers are driven apart by the force of the flexible element and brace the universal carrier between the vertical support profiles. 